Hit production of A Christmas Carol returns to church

Peterborough This Week

(LINDSAY) The historic sanctuary at Cambridge Street United Church will once again be transformed into the backdrop for a beloved seasonal story when the church presents the play A Christmas Carol on Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

All proceeds from the two evenings' performances will be donated to local charities A Place Called Home and Kawartha Lakes Food Source.

"We see this as a gift from our church to the community," explains Rev. Paul Reed, minister at Cambridge Street who also plays Jacob Marley in the show.

Director Szabina Kitchen is well-known to local theatre-goers as the co-director of hugely popular productions such as The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan.

More than 60 members of the Cambridge Street congregation are involved in the production, with representatives from the two charities assisting as well.

"Not only is this a way our church can help those in need in our area, it's also a whole lot of fun for those of us who are putting it on," adds Rev. Reed.

The play is faithful to the original story by Charles Dickens and is enhanced by beautiful seasonal music. It will be staged in the sanctuary, with seating for approximately 250 attendees, including recipients of free tickets provided by the church to the charities for the use of their clients. When the play was staged two years ago, both shows sold out, even with extra seating made available to try to meet the demand.

"We have kept tickets at the low price of $10 to make this Christmas production as accessible as possible to the community family while still raising funds for our charities. An offering will be received from those who can contribute more to further support those with the greatest need," concludes Rev. Reed.

Tickets are available through the office of either charity, or at the church office.